International Health Insurance

Updated (04-01-17)

Visitor health insurance is not currently mandatory for all foreign nationals who are temporary visitors to USA, but travelers from certain nations visiting the European Schengen states, UAE, etc. are currently required to provide proof of coverage to qualify for a visitor visa.

Visitors to the United States are typically not eligible to purchase health insurance coverage like citizens and permanent residents. Only immigrants, who are not temporary visitors to USA, are eligible to purchase coverage in the new American government run healthcare exchange marketplace. Exchange visitors might become eligible for plans under PPACA after two years.

Tipping

In general, a tip of between 15% and 18% of the sub total before taxes is given, is considered appropriate. This applies to waiters, waitresses, barbers and hairdressers, taxi drivers, etc. Bellhops, doormen redcaps (porters) etc., at hotels, airports, and railway stations are generally paid $1 to $2 per item of luggage.

Most major credit cards are honored nationwide. Of these, Visa and Mastercard are the most frequently used. In certain cases, you'll find a retailer or restaurant that will be 'cash only' or refuse to take certain credit cards due to the vendor charges involved. Likewise, 'Debit' cards are also widely accepted, subject to the same considerations as credit cards. ATM machines are easily accessible in almost every community. At the Shady Spruce Hostel , we accept Visa, Mastercard and Debit cards only, through our website. We do not give cash advances on credit or debit card purchases.

Credit and Debit Cards

Foreign Visitors Driving in US

See USA.GOV for latest info: (Updated 04-01-17)

Short-Term Visitors

If you plan to drive when you visit the United States, check the driving rules in the state(s) you'll be visiting to verify that you can use your non-U.S. driver's license. You should get an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates the information contained on your official driver's license into 10 languages.

The United States does not issue International Driving Permits to foreign visitors, so you will need to obtain this document in your home country beforeyou travel to the United States.

Students

If you are a foreign student coming to the United States to study, you should contact the university or college you'll be attending for information about driving.

Residents (Non-U.S. Citizens)

The residency requirement for obtaining a U.S. driver's license is different in each state. Check the department of motor vehicles in the state where you live to see the requirements.

If you are eligible to apply for a driver's license, you can only get a driver's license from the state where you live. Check with your state's department of motor vehicles to find out how to apply.

Once you receive your U.S. driver's license from a state motor vehicle department, you can drive in all U.S. states. Remember that the driving laws in each state differ and it is your responsibility to know and obey the laws of the state where you are driving.

Foreign Embassies in the US

The following is a list of known websites for foreign embassies in the U.S. See the Independent States and Dependencies and Areas of Special Sovereignty for a full list of economies with which the U.S. has diplomatic relations.